Baranja Maldives (Draž sandy beach)

Baranja Maldives is the nickname for a sandy beach on the Danube at Draž, in Baranja, in the far north-east of Croatia. The name is a joke with some truth in it: in a region of cornfields, vineyards and wetlands, a broad strip of pale sand on a riverbank looks surprisingly like a holiday beach, and locals have turned the nickname into a small attraction. It is a place for a relaxed day by the river rather than a sea resort.

The beach lies on the right bank of the Danube, where the river flows slowly through wide floodplains, and the sand has built up along the shore. A promenade runs along the bank, with a pier and a gazebo that make good places to sit and watch the river. Boats pass in the distance, and herons and other waterbirds can often be seen in the shallows. The setting is quiet and green, with willows and poplars lining the banks, and the horizon is wide and flat in every direction.

People come to sunbathe, picnic, walk along the water and fish. Anglers value the calm spots along the bank, and the Danube is rich in carp, catfish and other species. Swimming needs care. A big river has currents, passing ships create waves, and the depth can change quickly, so it is wise to stay close to the shore, keep a close eye on children and follow any local advice. The beach has few facilities, so bring water, shade and anything you need for the day.

The beach makes a good starting point for exploring Baranja. The region is known for its hearty cooking, with stews, sausages, grilled fish and sweet desserts, and for its wines, which are served along the Wine Routes of Baranja in cellars known as gatori. You can follow cycling routes through the Belje vineyards, visit the village of Karanac and its folk traditions, and explore the Danube Forests at Zlatna Greda and the village of Kneževo. Traditional Baranja folk culture, with its songs, dances and costumes, is still alive in local festivals.

It suits families, cyclists and anyone who likes a quiet day on a riverbank in a less visited corner of the country. The best months are late spring to early autumn, and the sunsets over the Danube are often a highlight.